Newtown crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2,383 recorded in this period, compared with 2,010 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Newtown
Newtown is an inner-city suburb located approximately 4 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district, within the Inner West Council local government area and the postcode 2042. Geographically, it is bounded by several major thoroughfares, including King Street—its primary commercial spine—and is characterised by a dense urban grid featuring Victorian-era terrace housing and historical commercial buildings. Demographically, the suburb has a population of approximately 14,000 residents, with a median age younger than the national average. Its populace largely comprises young professionals, students attending nearby tertiary institutions such as the University of Sydney, and a historically prominent LGBTQ+ community.
Local life in Newtown is centred on its vibrant commercial strips, most notably King Street and Enmore Road, which feature a high concentration of independent retailers, second-hand bookstores, cafes, and diverse international dining options. The suburb is a recognized cultural hub, known for its active arts, music, and nightlife scenes, as well as several local parks such as Camperdown Memorial Rest Park. It is well-served by public transport, featuring its own railway station on the T2 Inner West & Leppington Line, alongside multiple bus routes connecting the area to the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs.
Historically, Newtown was established in the early 19th century, evolving from a rural farming district into a bustling residential and commercial area following the subdivision of land grants such as the Macdonaldtown and Enmore estates. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid urbanization, leaving a rich architectural heritage marked by Victorian and Edwardian terrace housing, historic pubs, and civic structures. Today, much of the suburb's built environment is protected under heritage conservation orders, preserving its distinctive urban character alongside its contemporary evolution.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 467 | 415 |
| Transport regulatory offences | 190 | 121 |
| Liquor offences | 176 | 117 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 176 | 138 |
| Malicious damage to property | 153 | 149 |
| Steal from retail store | 136 | 79 |
| Other theft | 107 | 100 |
| Steal from dwelling | 103 | 81 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 94 | 97 |
| Fraud | 81 | 76 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 59 | 61 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 59 | 50 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 43 | 34 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 42 | 67 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 42 | 40 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 40 | 36 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 39 | 43 |
| Sexual assault | 39 | 23 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 14,690 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.